A network of more than 30,000 km of snowmobile trails runs across many parts of Ontario, made possible by those who agree to let their land be part of the snowmobiling system in the province. That’s where, we as farmers, are urging the snowmobile community to be both responsible and respectful of private property while out on the trails.

In Ontario and Canada, we are blessed with some of the world’s best farmland that lets us grow and raise almost anything – both for ourselves here at home and for people around the world. However, it’s a precious resource that is under threat. The numbers show us that we’re losing farmland at an alarming rate and it’s a trend that we strongly believe can not continue.

There is a federal bill that is currently at second reading in the Senate that focuses on pandemic preparedness. Bill C-293: An Act respecting pandemic prevention and preparedness was first introduced as a private member’s bill in June 2022 by Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, and it is causing deep concern in the farming community because of its potential impacts on livestock agriculture should it become law without amendment.

Two federal bills received Royal Assent in November that will make it easier for consumers to fix and service the products they use on a daily basis. That includes phones and fridges and even tractors. 

Concerns and challenges around Ontario’s energy supply remain a top-of-mind issue with Ontario’s farmers as we gathered in Toronto last week for the annual general meeting of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

It’s been a year since I was chosen to lead the Ontario Federation of Agriculture as its president, and as we prepare for our annual general meeting next week, it’s a good time to reflect on what’s been a busy 12 months in this new role.

Farmers from across Ontario will be coming to Toronto at the end of this month to hear updates on key issues affecting agriculture, debate resolutions and network with each other.

There are few things that Canadians talk about more than the weather, and that’s even more true of farmers. Whether it’s too wet or dry, too hot or cold, a late season frost or storms that bring damaging wind or hail – those of us who farm are focused on what happens outdoors.

Ontario’s agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse – producing more than 200 farm and food products, fuelling rural communities, generating nearly 750,000 jobs, and contributing more than $50 billion to Ontario’s annual GDP.

With the world becoming increasingly connected and digitized, cyber security is a growing concern. Criminals are targeting retailers, municipalities, healthcare providers and critical infrastructure – and as the agriculture sector increases its reliance on sensors, data collection and online connectivity, it is also becoming a target.